Peanut allergy in children.

Peanut allergy in children is reviewed in the light of data from the literature and those provided by 39 recently collected cases. Peanut allergy represents the second commonest cause of food allergy in children. The clinical manifestations are often very dramatic in contrast with the more attenuated features of other food allergies. This allergy gradually resolves with age. Peanuts are present throughout the diet, increasingly frequently in a ''hidden'' form. A convincing clinical history, defined by Sampson, is sufficient to establish the diagnosis. The diagnosis usually requires a labial or oral provocation test. In certain clinical situations in children, it is useful to investigate the presence of peanut allergy, even in the absence of any known previous contact. The treatment is essentially based on elimination of peanuts regardless of its form and its presentation, which is increasingly difficult in view of the multiple hidden forms of peanuts. When clinical signs appear after accidental peanut consumption, symptomatic treatment depends on their severity. Future progress will be based on the development of ''safe'' desensitization and more precise labelling of foods.